Introducing district strategies

District strategies are a new level of strategic planning that we are introducing to the planning system. District strategies will capture and protect the valued character and attributes of each of Canberra's nine districts.

The district strategies deliver the ACT Planning Strategy by providing more specific and targeted directions for each district. In short, they will guide the strategic management of growth and change on a district scale in the context of green and blue spaces, good travel connections, housing, employment growth and support our shopping centres.

Inner North and City Engagement Schedule in February 2023

Pop ups

• Monday 6th 10.00 - 2.00pm - Dickson (courtyard near Woolworths)
• Tuesday 7th 10.00 - 2.00pm - Canberra House (40 Marcus Clarke Ave)
• Saturday 18th 11.00 - 3.00pm - Canberra Centre

North Side Listening Space

Day one

• Friday 10th 10.00am - 4.00pm - Canberra Museum & Gallery

Day two

• Saturday 11th 12.00pm - 4.00pm - Canberra Museum & Gallery

We are looking at

The Inner North and City District Strategy captures the special character of the Inner North and reflects the community's views on future planning priorities. It will help us manage growth and change in the district while protecting the things the community values most.

Directions for Inner North and City

Blue-green network

• Protect, enhance, and restore habitat values in key blue-green corridors including re-naturalisation of Sullivans Creek and its tributary waterways, connections to Banksia Street and Dickson Wetlands and linkages between reserves, urban open space, and Garden City precincts.
• Make sure future redevelopment contributes towards living infrastructure aims in built up areas including the City Centre.

Economic access and opportunity across the city

• Protect floorspace and development opportunities for future economic activities and employment to make sure the City Centre maintains its preeminent economic role.
• Develop innovation precincts around economic assets in the City Centre (ANU/CSIRO and UNSW), Watson (ACU and AIE) and Campbell (ADFA).

Strategic movement to support city growth

• Develop the City Centre as a multimodal transport hub including accommodating future light rail corridors, bus interchange functions and improved active travel infrastructure.
• Plan in long term for future faster or high-speed rail connection to the City Centre and reflect the future entertainment plan as relevant to the City Centre.

Sustainable neighbourhoods

• Revise City Plan to guide high quality future development of the City Centre and reflect the future entertainment plan as relevant to the City Centre.
• Develop economic and mixed-use hubs at and nearby light rail stops along the Northbourne Avenue corridor based on sustainable urban development principles.

Inclusive centres and communities

• Pursue innovative models for future community and recreational facilities.

Change Areas

Each district strategy includes proposed, possible, and potential key development sites and change area/s, which are included on the map below and in the draft strategy..

For the Inner North and City, this includes:

• Thoroughbred Park

To see all the changes, visit the Draft Inner North and City District Strategy, or the Inner North and City District Summary & Map.

Inner North and City District Map

Use the map below to check out the proposed, possible and potential key development sites and change areas for the Inner North. You can have your say on these areas using the quick comment form below, or on the Provide Feedback page. The map below is also shown in detail in the district summary in the document library.